Afghan secret schools - 24 August 2022

In 2021, the Taliban took control of Afghanistan. They've ruled with very strict religious laws.

Afghan girls and women experience the strictest rules. They haven't been able to go to school since the Taliban took power. Primary schools and universities are open but secondary schools aren't. But women are going to secret schools.

Nafeesa can't let her brother know she goes to school. She tells him she attends Qur'an lessons.

Nafeesa: "My brother is a Talib, he wouldn't allow me to come here. He even tried to stop me when I was in grade eight. I use madrasa as an excuse to come here. My brother doesn't know that I come to school here, only my mother supports me."

These secret schools happen in private homes, which puts the secret teachers in danger. Tamkin's a teacher. Her students tell others, she's teaching them the Qur'an.

Tamkin: "Recently, some Taliban have moved in the house in front of us. They have asked several times what is going on here. I have asked the girls to say it is a madrasa. People in the neighbourhood know that I have studied shariah and women rights, and in the past I used to speak about religious topics on TV."

The Taliban said they'd let girls go to secondary school, but they're still planning the curriculum.

Teachers like Tamkin continue to teach their classes. They don't want their students to have the same problems they had as young girls.

Tamkin: "I didn't want these girls to be like me, they should have a better future than me. Currently, many minor girls are forced to get married, like I was. I was engaged at 12 years old. I struggled a lot to get an education, that's why I don't want them to go through as much."